Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d) in SWI Data Calibration

Overview

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen is one of the world's leading research institutions in solar physics and planetary research with around 300 employees. The interdisciplinary research focus is the investigation of the development, diversity and dynamics of planets, moons, small bodies, the sun and solar-like stars. The MPS develops and operates scientific instruments for current and future space missions (e.g. ESA, NASA), and carries out cosmochemical laboratory investigations of meteorites as well as numerical modeling on state-of-the-art supercomputers.

The Planetary Science Department at MPS invites applications for the position of a

Postdoctoral researcher (f/m/d) in SWI Data Calibration

This postdoctoral position, as part of the Planetary Atmospheres research group and the (Submillimetre Wave Instrument) SWI project in particular, offers a unique opportunity to engage in the technical and scientific aspects of space research in the context of a state-of-the-art space mission. We are looking for a candidate with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset who is willing to learn and apply new concepts and techniques. We seek an individual who is not only adept at technical problemsolving, but also possesses a strong analytical mindset, enabling them to derive meaningful insights from complex data sets.

We are seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team, focusing on the development of the SWI ground segment, particularly the calibration pipeline for scientific data. In this role, you will not only engage with the technical aspects of the SWI calibration data pipeline developments but also provide valuable support and expertise in physical modeling across one or more domains aligned with the SWI science goals. These domains include, but are not limited to, radiative transfer, thermophysical modeling of surfaces, and the chemistry and dynamics of atmospheres. The final scientific project for this position will be developed according to the postdoc’s preferences. Project ideas that enhance SWI science are encouraged.

Your Tasks

• Maintain, enhance, and build upon existing SWI calibration data pipeline (mostly Python)
• Provide support in terms of data analysis, quality and health checks for existing as well as future SWI data at their different levels of calibration processing
• Collaborate closely with the SWI operations and science teams to understand SWI's scientific requirements
• Contribution to the meetings and relevant reviews for the SWI project ground segment

Your Qualification

• A PhD (or soon to be completed PhD) in physics, planetary science, or a Doctoral degree in aerospace, electronic/microwave engineering
• A solid Python and C programming skill
• Experience in data analysis, process of remote sensing data calibration
• Ability to work in a team and learn new things
• Good command of spoken and written English
• Previous experience in space instrument data calibration, hands-on experience of working in the lab and being familiar with heterodyne receivers and microwave remote sensing are considered as valuable assets for this role

Additional Information

• Position can be filled from January 2026 (a sooner start can be considered)
• Initial contract is for 2 years, extension may be possible depending on performance
• Remuneration is according to EG 13 TVöD-Bund

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, references, certificates). Please submit these via the digital application portal ( If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ladislav Rezac ( ).

The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Job Details

• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Industries: Space Research and Technology

Application and Contact

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, references, certificates). Please submit these via the digital application portal ( If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ladislav Rezac ( ).

We look forward to receiving your application. The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity and explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

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